Understanding and Mitigating CVE-2024-21489: Prototype Pollution in uPlot

Overview of CVE-2024-21489

CVE-2024-21489 is a significant prototype pollution vulnerability identified in versions of the uPlot package before 1.6.31. Disclosed and published on October 1, 2024, this security flaw is assigned a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.2, classifying it as a high-severity issue. The vulnerability was discovered and reported by Tariq Hawis.

The core of the problem lies in the uplot.assign function, which lacks appropriate checks to determine if an attribute resolves to the object prototype. This oversight allows malicious actors to exploit the function, leading to severe integrity impact with a potential partial effect on availability.

Technical Details

The attack vector for CVE-2024-21489 is NETWORK, with low attack complexity, and it requires no privileges or user interaction. The scope remains unchanged, meaning the impact is confined to the vulnerable component.

• Confidentiality Impact: None
• Integrity Impact: High
• Availability Impact: Low

The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-1321, known as Prototype Pollution. In this context, prototype pollution occurs when an attacker can modify a base object's properties, leading to unexpected behaviors and potential security breaches.

Affected Versions

The affected versions of the uPlot package are those older than 1.6.31. The corrective patch ensuring the checks are in place was committed and can be referenced here.

Mitigation Steps

To safeguard systems from this vulnerability, follow these steps:

1. Update uPlot: Make sure to upgrade your uPlot package to version 1.6.31 or later. You can do this using npm:
   npm install uplot@latest
   
2. Verify Update: Confirm the version update by checking the package version:
   npm list uplot
   
3. Code Review: Conduct a thorough review of your application for any dependency that might include older uPlot versions.
4. Monitor Alerts: Keep track of any security advisories and subscribe to updates from reliable sources like the Snyk advisory database and official GitHub repositories.

Snyk vulnerability report is an excellent resource for further details and continuous monitoring.

Conclusion

CVE-2024-21489 is a critical security vulnerability in the uPlot package that can significantly compromise the integrity of affected systems. By promptly updating to the latest version and implementing robust monitoring practices, you can protect your applications from potential exploitation.

Regularly reviewing dependencies and staying informed through credible security advisories are vital steps in maintaining a strong security posture and mitigating risks associated with emerging vulnerabilities.